The $40 million upgrade of St John of God Bendigo Hospital (SJGBH), located in Bendigo, Australia, is now complete, resulting in a three-story extension to the hospital. This includes 52 new inpatient beds plus capacity for future expansion, a rehabilitation unit, two new integrated operating theaters, a larger theater recovery and a new sterilizing department.

The project also involved a renovation of the existing hospital, with improvements to more than 60 existing patient rooms, the Day Procedure Unit, internal atrium space and the addition of a dynamic building façade across both the new and existing building entrances, creating a cohesive appearance.

The planning and design of the project was initiated in 2014, and balances the hospital’s functionality with design. A linkway adjoins the new and existing wing wards and creates a sense of light, health and wellbeing. In addition, the renovation has has created a clear hierarchy of entry points.

The combination of the new lobby, the linkway, and the inclusion of natural elements in the form of a large sculptural ‘wrap element’ and dynamic façade all work together to heighten the hospital’s profile, while contributing to the local urban character through enhanced aesthetics.

ClarkeHopkinsClarke served as architect.